Numu denies charges – The National

By VICKY BAUNKE
EASTERN Highlands Governor Peter Numu, released on court bail on Monday after he was detained by police on Sunday, has denied charges of disturbing the counting process against him.
According to provincial police commander Supt Michael Welly, Numu and 133 others, mostly his supporters, were arrested on Sunday afternoon at his residence following a standoff between his supporters and security personnel at the National Sports Institute counting venue. Numu, who was charged under section 108 (1) (b) of the Criminal Code Act for disturbing the counting process during the election, said he was not charged correctly and would submit a no case to answer application because of inappropriate charges against him.
He is to appear in the Goroka District Court on Friday.
The governor, who retained his seat in the National Election 2022, told the public that he was not directly involved in the confrontation and was not aware of the incident when it took place until he was approached by security personnel at his house and arrested.
Numu confirmed that after talking to Welly, he was preparing to send his supporters away on Sunday by arranging transport and food stuff when security personnel confronted him at this house.
“I was wrongly arrested after allegations were made in the counting, I must make it clear that I deny the allegations for which I was arrested, it was wrong,” he said.
Numu said what transpired at the counting venue was far away from his home and he was not in any way directly involved in disturbing the counting process.
He said that not all of those arrested were his supporters but involved supporters of other regional candidates as well.
Numu said several personal items, household belongings and three vehicles were burnt during the arrest which he described as criminal in nature.
“I was luckily saved by a lieutenant solider who came in and saved my life and my wife’s life, so as my CPO,” he said.

Opa vows to deliver vital services

NEWLY-elected member for Kerema, Thomas Opa, has vowed to deliver vital services to his people.
He made this remark before attending his first parliament sitting with many other new faces elected to represent their people in the 11th Parliament.
“I am truly honoured to represent the people of Kerema in the 11th Parliament,” he said.
He said despite a tough race, he extended his gratitude to candidates who contested the seat and the people for the support he received from all over the six local level governments.
The LLGs included Kerema Urban, Central-Kerema, Tauri-Lakekamu, East Kerema, Kaintiba and Kotidanga.
“We all stood for the same convictions and aspirations to be the servant of our people.
“The elections are over and our people will go back to their normal lives.
“Let’s find a common ground and work in unity and harmony for our people,” he said.
Opa said his election granted him access to complete community projects which he initiated in certain communities in the electorate before contesting the elections.
“We will continue to complete these projects and also target our pillar development areas to improve the lives of our people.
“Within the next few months, we will prepare and deliver our promise in our five-year strategic development plan,” he said.

Kua wants complete fix of country’s electoral system

**From Left: Sinasina-Yongmugl MP Kerenga Kua, PNG Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai, new MP for Karamui-Nomane Francis Yori Alua and Karamui-Nomane returning officer Andrew Awai.**

RE-ELECTED Sinasina-Yongumugl MP and parliamentary leader of PNG National Party Kerenga Kua calls for a complete overhaul of the electoral system.
He said given the unprecedented killings and violence during this General Election 2022, there was need for a reform of the electoral system.
Kua suggested that the biometric and electronic voting system be adopted to improve the system.
He said it was very unfair for provinces that went into polling late to have their MPs declared late.
He said they had no time to be part of the formation of the new Government.
Kua made this call during his declaration in Kundiawa on Monday evening.
He polled 16,341 votes to be declared winner after 43rd exclusion when the absolute majority was dropped to just over 13,282 votes.
Runner-up Dr Elijah Ilai polled 10,185 votes.
Meanwhile, Kua also thanked the people of Salt Nomane Karamui for electing one of his PNG National Party candidates Francis Yori Alua to Parliament, out of a total of 51 candidates.